Steinberg, who lives in the house, was arguing Monday with Ronald Rohde, 52, over rent money. It happened about 4 p.m. in the 1600 block of Northeast Fourth Street, police said.

The men were arguing when Rohde asked Steinberg to leave his room. He left then came back with the rubbing alcohol and the men began to fight. Steinberg allegedly cut Rohde in the back with a screwdriver and a third roommate, a 46-year-old woman, tried to break it up.

Police said Steinberg splashed rubbing alcohol over Rohde's boxer shorts, took a lighter and set them on fire.

Rohde stripped down fast enough to suffer only minor burns, police said. He was treated at Bethesda Memorial Hospital.